# Respuestas de Marc Jovani **Fecha:** 2025-03-01 05:22:29 **Modelo:** claude-3-7-sonnet-20250219 **Temperature:** 1.0 --- ## Pregunta 1 **Pregunta:** Who is Marc Jovani and how did your journey begin, from your first steps in music to becoming an internationally recognized composer in the world of film soundtracks? **Respuesta de Marc:** Hey there! I'm Marc Jovani, film composer, entrepreneur, and founder of Cinematic Composing. My journey in music began back in 1994 in a small coastal town in Spain called Peñíscola, when my uncle Paco gave me my first guitar lessons. Those early experiences sparked something in me, though I wasn't immediately successful at traditional instruments. In fact, I was rejected twice from the Conservatory of Castellón! When I finally got in as an auditing student, my first composition was harshly criticized by my teacher, Maestro Ferrer Ferran. I remember him telling me to "take this piece, tear it to pieces, and throw it away because no one will ever perform this music." I cried on the way home with my dad. But something interesting happened - instead of giving up, I became determined to prove everyone wrong. I went from being the worst student in class to graduating with honors. Eventually, Ferrer Ferran himself recognized my potential in film music and recommended me for USC's film scoring program. The real turning point came in 2016 when my wife Ali and I moved to Los Angeles with just over $10,000 and three suitcases. Those early days were incredibly challenging - we built a desk out of bricks because we couldn't afford furniture, had no credit score, and I lost my teaching position at Berklee when they didn't have enough students that term. After sending countless demos and making hundreds of calls, I finally got a breakthrough with a $700 short film. That connection eventually led to a client who has since hired me for over 12 movies. Last year alone, I composed music for five films that have appeared on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Along the way, I founded Cinematic Composing, which has grown to over 16,000 students worldwide. We've created a unique methodology for teaching film composition that focuses on practical application rather than just theory. What I've learned through this journey is that success isn't just about talent - it's about persistence, self-belief, and continuing to push forward even when things seem impossible. Every composer faces rejection and self-doubt, but those who keep going are the ones who ultimately succeed. --- ## Pregunta 2 **Pregunta:** Working with major studios like Netflix, FOX, and Lionsgate undoubtedly brings significant challenges. What have been the biggest obstacles you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome those moments? **Respuesta de Marc:** I've had my fair share of challenges working with major studios throughout my career. The biggest obstacle wasn't actually technical or creative - it was psychological. After landing my first few Hollywood projects early in my career, I suddenly lost my main client after a quality issue with one film. This led to a three-year period where I couldn't secure any major projects, which was devastating. I started doubting if I was good enough for this industry. What turned things around wasn't some magical connection or lucky break. It was a friend who believed in my work enough to recommend me to his clients. That recommendation led to a relationship that's resulted in 12+ films together. The lesson was profound: sometimes the obstacle isn't external but internal. I had the skills all along, but my self-doubt was sabotaging me. I overcame this by focusing on the craft rather than the outcome, by building strong relationships instead of chasing projects, and by developing resilience through consistent work. Another major challenge has been adaptation. Each studio has different expectations, workflows, and communication styles. With Netflix projects requiring different approaches than Lifetime or Syfy films, I've learned to be flexible while maintaining my artistic voice. This meant investing in systems and templates that allow me to deliver consistently high-quality work regardless of timeline pressures. In this industry, obstacles are guaranteed. What matters is how you respond to them – with persistence, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in your abilities. --- ## Pregunta 3 **Pregunta:** How do you view the role of the neoclassical style and the presence of the piano in film score composition? Does this style influence your work or how you construct musical narratives? **Respuesta de Marc:** As a film composer, I find the neoclassical style and piano incredibly versatile tools in my scoring toolkit. They offer both emotional intimacy and dramatic power that can be difficult to achieve with other approaches. The piano specifically works beautifully in film for several reasons. It can function as a solo voice that creates immediate emotional connection with audiences - something I've used extensively in dramatic moments that need a personal touch. But it's also phenomenally effective as a textural element within larger orchestral passages, adding clarity and definition to complex musical moments. What I appreciate about neoclassical approaches is how they bridge traditional orchestral writing with modern sensibilities. This creates a sound that feels both familiar and fresh to audiences. When I'm developing a musical narrative, I often find that neoclassical elements help establish themes that can later transform across different instrumental palettes. In my own work, I tend to blend neoclassical elements with contemporary production techniques. For example, in some of my thriller scores, I've used piano ostinatos processed through modern effects to create tension while maintaining musical sophistication that pure electronic elements might lack. The beauty of film scoring today is that we're not limited to a single style. A neoclassical approach might be perfect for establishing character themes, but then those same themes can evolve into something more experimental or electronic as the story demands. This flexibility is what makes modern film composition so exciting. --- ## Pregunta 4 **Pregunta:** Given the complexity of composing for high-level cinematic productions, do you follow a specific routine to stimulate your creativity? What practices do you consider essential to balancing inspiration and productivity? **Respuesta de Marc:** When it comes to composing for cinematic productions, finding the perfect balance between creativity and productivity is something I've refined over years of working on films. My creative process begins with what I call my "focus time" – typically scheduled from 5:00-7:00 AM. I deliberately separate this creative thinking period from the actual execution phase. During these early morning hours, I don't immediately jump into composing at the computer. Instead, I focus on conceptual work – analyzing scenes, sketching musical ideas, and determining the emotional architecture of what I need to create. I've found that different spaces trigger different mental states. I have dedicated areas for creative conceptualization (usually a simple chair with my notebook) versus technical execution (my studio). This physical separation creates a psychological shift that helps me access different modes of thinking. What's essential for balancing inspiration and productivity? Several practices: First, regular "reset" periods throughout the day. After intense creative or technical work, I'll take short breaks that completely change my mental state – cold plunges, short meditation sessions, or physical activity like surfing or biking. These aren't just breaks; they're deliberate resets that prevent burnout and keep creativity flowing. Second, I maintain strict boundaries between creative development and technical execution. Each requires different energy and focus. The morning is for pure creative thinking, while the "hustle time" (10:00-6:00) is for execution and production. Third, I've developed "triggers" that signal to my brain it's time to create. This might be a specific chair, notebook, even the way I arrange items on my desk. These environmental cues help me transition quickly into creative states. Finally, I prioritize physical movement. I find that activities that put me in a flow state – like surfing or skateboarding – directly translate to musical creativity. When I'm struggling with a musical challenge, I'll often step away and do one of these activities. The solution frequently arrives when I'm not actively thinking about it. The most important insight I've gained is that creativity isn't random inspiration – it's a state you can systematically access through deliberate routines and environmental design. --- ## Pregunta 5 **Pregunta:** In addition to being a composer, you are also the cofounder of Cinematic Composing. How has this entrepreneurial experience influenced your musical career? What are your upcoming goals, both as a composer and as an educator and entrepreneur? **Respuesta de Marc:** # How Entrepreneurship Has Influenced My Musical Career Being an entrepreneur has fundamentally transformed my approach to composition. When I started Cinematic Composing with Ali, I initially saw it as just a side project to sustain us between scoring gigs. What I didn't anticipate was how deeply the entrepreneurial mindset would enhance my composition work. The most significant impact has been in efficiency and systems thinking. Running a business forced me to analyze my composition process objectively, identifying bottlenecks and streamlining workflows. I've become much more strategic with time management, which means I can now deliver 60+ minutes of quality music for a film in 3 weeks when needed, something that seemed impossible before. Entrepreneurship also taught me the importance of clear communication. As a composer, I now approach director relationships with greater clarity and confidence, understanding how to translate their emotional language into musical terms more effectively. I'm not just delivering music anymore - I'm providing a comprehensive solution to their storytelling needs. Perhaps most importantly, building Cinematic Composing reconnected me with my "why." Teaching forces you to articulate your intuitive processes, which has made me much more intentional and self-aware as a composer. Breaking down complex concepts for students has refined my own understanding. ## Future Goals As a composer, I'm focused on scoring projects with deeper emotional impact. Last year I did five films, but this year I've been more selective, choosing stories that resonate with me personally. I'm particularly drawn to narratives that explore human resilience and transformation. For Cinematic Composing, we're developing more immersive learning experiences. We've seen incredible results with our mentorship model, and we're expanding this approach with new interactive technologies. We're also building stronger industry bridges to connect our most dedicated students with real-world opportunities. My ultimate vision integrates both worlds: developing a sustainable ecosystem where education, composition, and production support each other. I want to create opportunities for emerging composers while continuing to grow as an artist myself. The greatest lesson I've learned straddling these worlds is that limitations breed creativity. The constraints of running a business - managing time, resources, and expectations - have paradoxically made me a more creative and efficient composer. --- ## Pregunta 6 **Pregunta:** What message would you like to share with aspiring composers or musicians who dream of creating soundtracks and pursuing a career in the film industry? **Respuesta de Marc:** As a film composer who's been in the trenches, I'd like to share something honest with you about pursuing this career path. The journey to becoming a film composer isn't about waiting for that one big break - it's about consistent growth, both in your craft and your mindset. When I first moved to LA with my wife in 2016, we had nothing but a few suitcases and determination. I went from building desks out of bricks because we couldn't afford furniture to scoring multiple films a year. What made the difference wasn't just technical skill - it was conquering the mental barriers that tell you "you're not good enough." I've worked with hundreds of composers, and I've noticed that those who succeed aren't necessarily the most technically brilliant, but rather those who effectively manage their self-doubt while consistently putting themselves out there. Here's what truly matters: developing a unique voice, understanding storytelling through music, and building genuine relationships. Your technical skills absolutely need to be solid, but what will set you apart is your ability to serve the story and form meaningful connections with directors and producers. The film music world has changed dramatically - you no longer need expensive studio time or massive orchestras to create professional scores. With today's technology, you can create remarkable music from your home studio. What hasn't changed is the need for persistence and continuous learning. Remember that rejection isn't personal - it's part of the process. I went through periods where clients disappeared and projects fell through. These weren't failures - they were stepping stones that led to better opportunities. Most importantly, enjoy the journey. If you're only focused on "making it," you'll miss the joy of creation along the way. The process itself - writing that perfect theme, solving a challenging scene, hearing your music against picture for the first time - that's where the real fulfillment lies. ---